New shelter provides haven for victims of domestic violence
Posted:
Updated:
By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -
There is a new state-of-the-art shelter being unveiled in Gwinnett County on Tuesday for women who are victims of domestic violence.
The funds to build the $4.4 million shelter was raised in just one year!. Shelter officials say raising that kind of money should have taken 3 to 5 years, which goes to show just how badly this shelter was needed in Gwinnett County and how motivated people were to get it done.
The shelter sleeps 55 people which will make it the largest domestic violence shelter in the state.
"For the last five years, Gwinnett County has ranked first in the entire state of Georgia for the highest number of domestic related murders," said Shannon Clark, with the organization Partnership Against Domestic Violence.
It's an epidemic, says Clark. One that this shelter will hopefully help curtail.
"They truly believe they deserve it. They truly believe they're doing something wrong and there's a fatal flaw within them. Now, why that culture is happening more in Gwinnett than any other place, I don't know," said Clark.
The shelter has a massive kitchen where the women will be able to help themselves
"Even I come into this kitchen and go wow! I'm almost afraid to cook in it, but we're going to take it and make it a fun experience by allowing people to come in and teach us some cooking classes, and really make this a place where a lot of good vibes happen in the kitchen," said Clark.
The rooms have three to four beds each -- all of which have private bathrooms. Security is extremely tight, and there are plenty of areas for the ladies to relax, unwind, jump online, or watch their kids play. There are even private rooms for counseling sessions.
It's a home, completely free of charge that provides these women a safe way out.
"The hope that the facility provides for this group of women is truly a place, it's a sacred place, for them to come and get healing," Clark said.
Women will start moving into the shelter on Wednesday. Clark says it will fill up to capacity right away, as all of their shelters do. Its location is confidential and security is extremely tight, so these women are without a doubt in a safe place to move on with their lives.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
